Rigveda has 30+ women rishis (Gargi, Lopamudra, Apala, Ghosha, Romasha, Vishvavara). Women participated in sabhas (assemblies), owned property, and chose their husbands (swayamvara). The Manusmriti (3.56) says 'Where women are honored, there the gods rejoice.' The restriction of women came during foreign invasions, not from Hindu scriptures.